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Saturday, August 31, 2013

Ulysses S. Grant to Jesse Root Grant, April 21, 1861

Galena,

April 21st, 1861.

Dear Father:

We are now in the midst of trying times when every one must
be for or against his country, and show his colors too, by his every act.
Having been educated for such an emergency, at the expense of the Government, I
feel that it has upon me superior claims, such claims as no ordinary motives of
self-interest can surmount. I do not wish to act hastily or unadvisedly in the
matter, and as there are more than enough to respond to the
first call of the President, I have not yet offered myself. I have
promised, and am giving all the assistance I can in organizing the company
whose services have been accepted from this place. I have promised further to
go with them to the State capital, and if I can be of service to the Governor
in organizing his state troops to do so. What I ask now is your approval of the
course I am taking, or advice in the matter. A letter written this week will
reach me in Springfield. I have not time to write to you but a hasty line, for,
though Sunday as it is, we are all busy here. In a few minutes I shall be
engaged in directing tailors in the style and trim of uniform for our men.

Whatever may have been my political opinions before, I have
but one sentiment now. That is, we have a Government, and laws and a flag, and
they must all be sustained. There are but two parties now, traitors and
patriots and I want hereafter to be ranked with the latter, and I trust, the
stronger party. I do not know but you may be placed in an awkward position, and
a dangerous one pecuniarily, but costs cannot now be counted. My advice would
be to leave where you are if you are not safe with the views you entertain. I
would never stultify my opinion for the sake of a little security.

I will say nothing about our business. Orvil and Lank will
keep you posted as to that.

Write soon and direct as above.

Yours truly,

U. S. GRANT

SOURCE: Jesse Grant Cramer, Editor, Letters of Ulysses S. Grant to His Father and His Youngest Sister,
1857-78, p. 24-6